Your power is out. Don't panic!
MOST IMPORTANT
Report to FirstEnergy: Call 1-888-544-4877 (1-888-LIGHTSS), text "OUT" to 544487 (LIGHTS), or report online at firstenergycorp.com.FirstEnergy is unaware of a blackout until it is reported. Moreover, report volume determines the crew count sent to fix an outage.
Avoid Damaged Infrastructure: Treat all fallen power lines and broken utility equipment you encounter as live and dangerous. Call 911, and stay at least 30 feet away.
STEP 1: ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
- Find Lighting: Use flashlights and battery lanterns over candles. If you must use a candle, keep it away from easily flammable materials and never leave it unattended.
- Disconnect Electronics: Power returns in sudden voltage spikes. Unplug major appliances and sensitive devices to protect electronics and prevent circuit overloading. Leave a single light switched on so you know when power returns.
- Assess Situation: Look outside—has your entire street lost power? If so, continue down the list. Otherwise, open your electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers, including the main breaker. If your power still does not return, continue down the list.
- Preserve Communication: Switch your cell phone to Low Battery Mode, and only text and call when necessary. If you have a battery or hand-crank radio, dial to local news stations or NOAA weather channels for critical information. Use any charged power banks you have.
CAUTION
Gas-Powered Equipment
Carbon monoxide is an odorless but deadly gas that causes headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion.
Keep generators, grills, camp stoves, and liquid-fuel lanterns at least 20 feet away from any window, door or vent. A gas stovetop may be used briefly to heat food.
Generator
Never plug a generator into a wall socket—electricity is sent back down the street and can kill the line worker fixing your outage.
Keep your unit dry by using weather-resistant running covers and placing out of standing water. Only refuel once it has cooled, never when it is running and hot.
STEP 2: FOOD SAFETY
The Danger Zone
Harmful bacteria grows rapidly between 40°F-140°F. Food can be left warmer than 40°F for at most 2 hours before it must be thrown out.
When In Doubt, Throw It Out
Food that looks and smells normal can still make you sick. An extra trip to the grocery store beats a grueling bout of food poisoning.
Cooling Appliances
Refrigerators and freezers maintain temperature more efficiently when they are kept shut. Only open them when necessary, and make as few trips as possible.
An unopened fridge keeps food chilled for 4 hours. A full freezer keeps food chilled for 48 hours; a half-full freezer, 24 hours.
STEP 3: TEMPERATURE
Staying Warm
Huddle close into a single room with very few windows, and close doors to rooms unused. Wear multiple layers and stuff the bottom of doors and window sills to prevent drafts.
Use wood fireplaces if the flue/chimney is clear, or indoor-rated kerosene/propane heaters.
Staying Cool
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Take a cool bath/shower, or apply damp, cold cloths to your neck, wrists, and forehead.
Shut and block windows with shades during the day; open them at night when it gets cooler.
Move downstairs to the lowest floor where cold air sinks.
AT-RISK GROUPS
- Alert in Advance: FirstEnergy keeps a Critical Care list for customers who depend on electrically powered life-support equipment. Members are notified when an outage is expected to run past 24 hours.
- Battery Backup: Oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, powered wheelchairs, and infusion pumps all require a tested battery plan in case of power failures.
- Refrigerated Medicine: For an outage lasting more than 24 hours, discard and replace refrigerated medicine unless the label says otherwise. The exception is life-sustaining medicine; keep using it and replace ASAP.
- Check on Neighbors: What is an inconvenient outage for most can become a serious emergency for senior citizens, people living alone, and anyone with a medical device.
- Second Base: Be prepared to leave for a location with power—a relative's house, hospital, mall, library, or cooling center your county opens during heat emergencies.
CUSTOMER SERVICE LINES
This page is general safety information gathered from FirstEnergy, the CDC and the USDA, and is not medical or emergency advice for your particular situation.